To celebrate English Tourism Week 2026, Visit Coventry is inviting you to see the city through a cinematic lens. From high-octane 1960s chases to heartwarming modern classics, our streets have served as the backdrop for some iconic films.

Whether you’re a film buff or just looking for something unique to do during English Tourism Week, it's time to step into the spotlight.

From The Italian Job to Nativity!: Coventry on Screen

Coventry has a long history of transforming its unique architecture into world-class film sets.

  • The Italian Job (1969): Many fans are surprised to learn that the legendary Mini Cooper chase through "Turin’s" sewers was actually filmed right here in Coventry's Stoke Aldermoor area.

  • Nativity! (2009): This festive favourite turned the entire city into a "Hollywood" set. Iconic scenes were filmed at Coventry Cathedral, Spon Street, and the Coventry Evening Telegraph building (now the Telegraph Hotel).

  • Keep an eye out for local landmarks in TV classics like Keeping Up Appearances and recent productions like Joan.

People sat inside the cathedral ruins

Lights, Camera, Action: Photoshoot Ideas

Capture your own cinematic memories at these famous locations:

  • The Cathedral Ruins: Recreate the heart-warming rehearsals from Nativity! against the dramatic sandstone arches.

  • The Italian Job Plaque: Head to the underpass at Allard Way to find the commemorative plaque marking the spot of the famous 1960s sewer chase.

  • Medieval Magic on Spon Street: Walk the same timber-framed streets seen in the Nativity! for a classic "old England" aesthetic.

  • The Modern Backdrop: Use the brutalist beauty of the city centre or the vibrant shipping containers at FarGo Village for a more contemporary, indie-film vibe.

Expert-Led Cinematic Walks

Join a professional tour to uncover the stories behind the screen:

  • Blue Badge Guided Tours: For the ultimate "behind the scenes" experience, book a Blue Badge Guided Tour. These highly qualified guides offer bespoke walking tours, bringing 1,000 years of history (and plenty of film trivia) to life with professional flair.

  • Ventures with Verity: For an immersive, storytelling-led stroll, join Coventry Walking Tours – Ventures with Verity. Verity offers engaging walks through the historic heart of the city, perfect for uncovering the "quirky" facts that make Coventry a filmmaker’s dream.

Explore Sustainably: Arrive by Rail, Travel by E-Bike

Coventry is one of the best-connected cities in the UK, making it easy to visit sustainably.

  • Coventry Station serves as a major hub on the West Coast Main Line, making the city incredibly accessible for weekenders. With Avanti West Coast running frequent, direct services, guests can travel from London Euston in just one hour or Birmingham New Street in 20 minutes.

  • Once you arrive, swap the car for a "green" alternative. You’ll find West Midlands Cycle Hire docking stations conveniently located at the railway station, Pool Meadow bus station, and near major city-centre attractions.

The Next Generation of Film: A Student Powerhouse

Coventry isn't just a place where movies are made; it’s where the filmmakers of the future are born. Between Coventry University and the University of Warwick, the city boasts a thriving population of thousands of creative students.

  • Coventry University: Currently ranked 6th in the UK for Media and Film Studies, its Film Production students are constantly out on the streets of the city, using our unique architecture as their playground.

  • University of Warwick: Home to a world-renowned Department of Film and Television Studies, Warwick is a leader in film history and theory. It’s not uncommon to see student film crews capturing the "Brutalist-cool" vibes of the city centre or the leafy suburbs of Earlsdon.

Catch a Film at Warwick Arts Centre

If you want to watch a film in a setting that breathes creativity, head to the Warwick Arts Centre on the university campus. Following a redevelopment, it is now one of the largest and most state-of-the-art arts venues in the UK.

Cinemas Coventry

There are three cutting-edge screens, showing a mix of the latest Hollywood blockbusters, independent world cinema, and even student-led showcases.

It’s a quick 15-minute bus ride (the 12X or 11) from Coventry city centre or a short hop by e-bike!

Culinary Delights for the Modern Explorer

After a busy day on set, you'll need a "wrap party" of your own. Coventry offers fantastic options for high-quality food on the move:

  • FarGo Village: Perfect for a quick, artisanal bite, from vegan treats to world street food at The Factory.

    FarGo Village

  • Elle’s: Right in the heart of the city, this hub offers a variety of quick-service dining options perfect for refuelling before your next scene.

Save the Date: Coventry Phoenix Film Festival 2026

The cinematic celebrations don't end with English Tourism Week. The Coventry Phoenix Film Festival is set to return to The Box at FarGo Village on 15th April 2026.

This two-day event showcases international short films, animations, and documentaries. It is completely free for fans to attend and features networking events, industry panels, and the infamous film quiz.

Plan Your Stay

Make the most of your cinematic adventure by taking advantage of local accommodation discounts.

For a truly immersive experience, the Telegraph Hotel is located just 0.2 miles from the centre and offers an iconic 1950s style within a former Nativity! filming location, or if you prefer central stay, try the Hotel Indigo or ibis Coventry Centre.